This page will be populated with terminology used in the world of kendo, and its' explanation. Whilst we will make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information Gloster Kendo Club cannot guarantee that it is correct so please use this as a guide and support this with your own research into kendo terms.

A list of Kendo Terminology . It is not exhaustive and there will be omissions but we will try to update this regularly.

arigatō gozaimashita"Thank you very much"

ashi-sabakifootwork

bogukendo armour consisting of men, kote, do, and tare

bokkenwooden sword.

bokutosame as bokken

chaku-sothe manner of wearing keikogi, hakama, and bogu correctly.

chakuzacommand to sit down on the floor from a standing position

chudan-no-kamaebasic kamae, with the kensen pointed at the opponent's throat,

chūkenmiddle player in a team match

Counting: 1 - 10Ichi, ni, san, shi (Yon), go roku, shichi, hachi, ku, ju. - The word 'Shi' is usually associated with death and is generally only used for counting,

monouchithe region of the shinai most effective for striking, located between the tip and the nakayui

motodachiperson being struck to provide instruction, for example in uchikomi-geiko, kakari-geiko, or kihon shiai

nakayuithin strip of leather tied around the shinai about one third down from the tip

Nihonme - second point (Ususally used to reconvene a match after the first point has been awarded)nuke-tō"draw the sword (shinai)"

okuri-ashithe most basic footwork used in kendo, where the feet start and end in the basic kamae position with the right foot in front and the toes of the left foot even with the line of the right heel.

onegai shimasu"I request the favour (of a practice)"

osame-tō"return the sword (shinai)"

reibow

rei-gimatters of etiquette

ritsu-reistanding bow

sanbon shōbuthree point match (first person to score two points wins)

sage-tōthe posture taken when performing ritsu-rei, with the shinai held in the left hand with the arm hanging naturally at the side. The tsuru faces downward and the hand next to the tsuba.